“Libraries are so important, not just for books, but they provide essential services.”
New Jersey Senator Christopher Bateman, (R—Sommerset)
From the Director's Desk
On Thursday, September 14 the Library Board of Trustees voted to reject all construction bids due to a shortfall in funds. In order to award the bid, the Library needed the entire contract value of $3,089,197 available in certified funds by the time the bids expired on September 27. At present there is about $2.8 MM available, so we’re lacking about $400,000 in funds. But now, we know the cost of the project.
We are cautiously optimistic about an opportunity for Trenton to help us cross the finish line. Governor Christie approved the NJ Library Construction Bond Act in late July, which will appear as Question 1 on the November 7 General Election ballot. This bill will let voters decide if the state should issue $125 million in bonds to benefit NJ libraries. Proceeds of the bonds sales will be used to provide matching grants to public libraries to be used on renovation and construction projects. If NJ voters pass this referendum, the NJ State Library will oversee the grant process.
The NJ Library Construction Bond Act has bi-partisan support of over 50% of the NJ legislature. This referendum is not a tax. The state will repay the bonds out of state revenues and not through local property taxes. This is an economic bill which will invest in our state and support the economy. Senator Christopher Bateman, a primary sponsor of the Senate version of this bill said, “I think this is necessary. I really do.”
New Jersey’s public libraries play an invaluable role in the lives of our communities. They provide educational, recreational and civic engagement opportunities for all residents. Offering a wide variety of services and programs, libraries build communities throughout New Jersey. Find out more at njlibrariesbuildcommunities.org.
Marilynn Mullen
Classes for Kids
Be A NASA Engineer!
Saturday, October 14 at 10:15 a.m.
Your mission is to solve a NASA Design Challenge. We’ll talk live to a NASA engineer currently orking at the Kennedy Space Center! This mission is designed for ages 8 to 14.
Maybe you've taken a few stabs at organizing your family history, but it's overwhelming. What to do? Katie Murphy of Univoice History will offer tips and strategies for family history projects that you will actually complete.
Adults and children are invited to make a dried flower centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table. Children under the age of seven must be accompanied by an adult.